Vietnam Boat Tragedy: 15 Indian Tourists Die as Speedboat Capsizes Near Phu Quoc

15 Indian Tourists Die in Vietnam Speedboat Tragedy; Probe Underway

Fifteen Indian tourists were killed after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members capsized near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island on Saturday, prompting a massive rescue operation and an investigation into the cause of the accident.

According to authorities in the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, the vessel, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was travelling from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when it overturned around 1 pm, about 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai, throwing all 36 people on board into the sea.

Tourist boats nearby rushed to the scene within minutes after spotting the capsized vessel. Rescue workers managed to save 21 people, including 17 passengers and all four crew members. However, 15 Indian tourists—13 men and two women—lost their lives. Two survivors remain in critical condition.

Rescuers said several passengers were trapped inside the overturned boat, making the operation difficult.

Embassy Opens Helplines

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it was closely monitoring the situation and had set up emergency control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to assist the families of those affected.

The embassy later released the names of the 32 Indian tourists who were on board, saying the list had been compiled using official information. It added that details regarding the casualties were still being verified and would be updated as more information became available.

PM Modi, Nara Lokesh Express Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He said the Indian Embassy and Consulate were in constant touch with Vietnamese authorities and were extending all possible assistance.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh also reviewed the situation after reports suggested that several tourists from the state were among those on board. He directed officials to coordinate with the Centre and the Indian Embassy to provide every possible help to the victims and their families.

Victims Identified

Authorities have begun identifying the deceased. Among those killed were A.C. Thomas (57) and his wife Loveni Thomas (56) from Kerala’s Kollam district.

Earlier, Ravi Teja (41) from Andhra Pradesh’s Hindupuram and Sridhar, a mobile phone shop owner from Kadapa, were also identified among the victims. Another tourist from Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district survived the accident and is reported to be safe.

Investigation Launched

Officials said sea conditions were rough when the accident occurred, although there was no rainfall. The speedboat was operating a routine island-hopping tour to the popular May Rut Islets, located around 10-12 kilometres south of An Thoi.

With the search and rescue operation now concluded, Vietnamese authorities have launched a detailed investigation. Adverse weather, rough seas and a possible mechanical failure are among the factors being examined to determine what caused the deadly accident.